3. You can bring along a portable grill to your picnic destination, grill up some goodies (see those tenderloin kabobs above?) and have yourself a real PICNIC!

I choose #2 or #3.

Honestly, the enjoyment of the picnic is proportionate to the quality of the food you bring.

Your picnic spot may not be conducive to portable grilling. I get that. So #2 is your best bet. Just be sure to grill JUST BEFORE you leave, pack those kabobs/steaks/burgers/what have you in airtight containers and enjoy right away.

Don’t forget all the proper utensils, condiments, plates, drinks, napkins etc. for your picnic. Sometimes a change of scenery makes us lose our minds. Just think through your meal as if you were sitting down at your own table. Only this time, you’ll be sitting on a blanket. Outside. Enjoying nature.

Oh. And pack a blanket.

You really can enjoy just about any meal in picnic form. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t try spaghetti out there. But grilled foods are perfect! Especially ones you can eat with your hands.

So get out there and enjoy your own customized picnic this month and join all the other revelers outdoors who are celebrating National Picnic Month, too!

Grilled Bananas

Directions: Soften butter and coat foil. Mix brown sugar, rum and lemon juice in a small dish. Coat each banana with rum mixture and wrap tightly in foil. Place on grill for 15 – 20 minutes. Serve on top of ice cream or angel food cake.Serves 4

Source: KC Steak Company

22 JUMP STREET

These fictional guys are in college now and, well, college guys love burgers! Try the Hawaiian Steak Burgers recipe below to get you in the mood!

‘Tis the season to have a cookout in the parking lot! Baseball season, that is!

And to have a successful tailgating experience, you’ve gotta have a plan. So here’s mine…

THINK AHEAD

How many people will be joining you? After you figure that number, add 10. Making friends with other tailgaters is the norm, not the exception. So bring enough plates, napkins, utensils, condiments, drinks, food and fun for that many. Hey, leftovers are always welcome. Oh, and bring a cooler just for leftovers.

THINK COMPACT

Bring a portable grill (think camping style) for your chef. Plus grill supplies. Nothing that needs plugging in, unless you have a generator or other power source.

MAKE A MENU

Go with tried and true favorites – burgers, hot dogs, buns, chips, drinks and condiments. Anything unusual at a tailgate party and you might not have takers. Then what will they eat? And don’t forget dessert!

GET COMFORTABLE

Bring lots of folding chairs and at least one table. You’ve got to have a place to set all this stuff! Make it inviting for folks to hang around and talk about your favorite team. A tent to shade your group from the sun is also a great idea. Your relish and mayonnaise will thank you, too.

HAVE FUN!

Make lasting memories with your friends and family – all while eating your favorite foods! It’s a WIN/WIN!

I mean, how can you not start there? Hot dogs, franks, frankfurters – whatever you want to call them – make sure to have lots of condiments – sauerkraut, relish, mustard, the works! Just make sure it’s Kansas City beef for the best taste.

Color is of utmost importance with your 4th of July presentation. So try some colorful burgers with white onion, ketchup/tomato and a sprinkle of bleu cheese. You may have to hunt to see the blue – but, hey, that’s half the fun!

LAYERED PATRIOTIC DRINKS

For a fun red, white and blue-colored drink, start with ice cubes that will appear white, pour cranberry juice on the bottom of a clear glass or cup, then add blue G2 Gatorade on top. You’ll have patriotism in a glass!

DELICIOUS FLAG CAKE

Chef Ina Garten’s gorgeous flag cake (seen above) features all of the beautiful colors of the American flag. What better way to show your appreciation for our country? Click here to see the recipe and ingredient list for this beauty.

Then, have fun coming up with your own ideas using the red, white and blue theme. Get the kids involved, too. It’s more fun that way! Happy almost 4th, everybody!

You can obviously just verbally invite folks over but if you do that you don’t have a concrete RSVP list. And that makes food and supplies hard to judge. My advice is good, old-fashioned invitations in the mailbox. Guests can RSVP by e-mail, but go all out and send ‘em some paper!

Don’t forget to quench their thirst! Make sure if you’re going to have alcoholic drinks, you also have non-alcoholic drinks. And have lots of water on hand. It’s hot out there!

DECORATIONS

You can really give your cookout a special feel if you decorate just for the occasion. Go Hawaiian or decorate with a down-home Southern twist. Really make it special!

ENTERTAINMENT

This can be as simple as setting out a game of horseshoes or croquet to play while the food is grilling. Or, even designating a DJ. Just give ‘em something to focus on before, during and after the food makes its grand entrance!

If you plan it all out ahead of time, you can just go with the flow and enjoy your friends and family at your cookout. And THAT is what summer’s all about!

Burger buns don’t just come in the white bread variety anymore. Although, that’s still a fantastic option and one of my faves.

We first began branching out with the old sesame seed bun and that really got our taste buds thinking.

These days, there are so many burger buns to choose from. Here’s a list of some of the top contenders:

CIABATTA

This Italian white bread is made from wheat flour and yeast and it’s light, not heavy. It has only been around since 1982 so it’s a relatively new sensation.

BRIOCHE

Puffy, with a golden, flaky crust, its origins are in the French pastry realm. Made with eggs and butter in the mix, this bun is rich and tasty.

PRETZEL

This bun is baked in the traditional pretzel knot shape and comes to us from Germany. Love soft pretzels? You’ll adore this great alternative to the ordinary.

Peruse your local bakery for more options and find one that makes your heart sing!

Want to mix it up a bit? Then try one of these buns on the grill next time it’s burger time. Slice it in half, put the inside down on the grill and leave for 10 seconds. You’ll have a toasty, tasty bun for that delicious burger!

Seafood, especially salmon, is very delicate so it requires extra care and attention. Use ALUMINUM FOIL to wrap this meat before placing it on the grill. It’ll help it cook evenly and keep it all in one piece!

Now that you know all the tools of the trade, make sure you’re locked and loaded for grilling season. The right tool makes all the difference!